More than 160 potential investors were in Bradford to hear of the opportunities the city offers.

An event called A Taste of Bradford arranged by lobbying group Bradford Breakthrough, alongside Bradford Council, was held at the Midland Hotel yesterday.

Firms were told about the £35 million City Centre Growth Zone scheme, and discussed 36 specific properties with the potential to become new restaurants.

Colin Philpott, chief executive of Bradford Breakthrough, said many companies had already paid a visit to the city due to the impact of the new Westfield shopping centre, and a relaxation of planning rules for restaurants on streets surrounding the £260m site.

“It was a big success, and just part of our longer-term campaign to get a greater choice of restaurants in the city centre,” he said. “There was a lot of serious interest in the properties, which will hopefully boost jobs and support the city’s leisure and business economy.”

Two firms, the Chinese Buffet and Menston’s 1875 restaurant, have revealed plans to expand into Bradford using grants from the business growth scheme, creating 48 jobs.